The Salamanca Statement facilitated progress in the democratization of education globally. Its influence in Mexico has been decisive. Educational integration, a process that implied the access and provision of educational support to students with special educational needs in ordinary schools, began in Mexico towards the end of the 20th century with a recently consolidated special education system. In this article, we discuss the influence that the Salamanca Statement has had in the attention to diversity in Mexico. We also review the main changes that have occurred at the national level in the organization and legislation of education for diversity. Finally, we analyse the role that special education should play in the advancement towards inclusive education in the country.

Special education; Special education schools, Inclusive education; Mexico; Educational policy.